Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine/ Shiga

A shrine, to protect people from misfortune and disasters. It’s also famous for autumn colors.

Hiyoshi-Taisha,「日吉大社」,the head shrine of approximately 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno-jinja shrines throughout Japan is located at the foot of Mt. Hachiojiyama, a part of the Hieizan mountain range.The shrine is the local deity of Sakamoto, the temple town of Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple.

When the capital was transferred to Kyoto in 794, Hiyoshi-Taisha was located in the northeastern direction of the capital, but it was considered to be an unlucky direction, so the shrine was moved to the present location. Since then, Hiyoshi-Taisha became a well reputed as a shrine to protected people from misfortune and disasters.

Hiyoshi-Taisha spreads a wide area with many shrine buildings including the Higashi-hongu and the Nishi-Hongu, the Romon gate, the Sanno torii gate.

● The Nishi-hongu

● Kogane-no-oiwa at the Higashi-hongu.

There is a massive rock called “Kogane-no-oiwa” at the Higashi-hongu. The rock is the biginning place to worship as a god.

The Higashi-hongu, The Nishi-hongu, and the main buildings are all built in a very rare architecture known as “Hie-zukuri”. There are various important cultural properties on the precincts. The Hyoushi-sangu which is made of stone. the Romon gate which is dyed vermilion. The Sanno torii gate is shaped different from the other torii gates, inscribing the character for mountain “山” on the top.

● The Romon gate

● The monkey rock

“Masaru”, monkeys known as divine messengers are very important at Hiyoshi-Taisha. The shrine own 2 monkeys, and there are 4 monkey sculptures on the 4 corners of the roof of the Romon gate. There is also a large rock that looks like a monkey’s face on the path to the Higashi-hongu. Visitors may find more images of these important and worshiped monkeys.

Hiyoshi-Taisha is the one of the best spots for autumn colors in Shiga. There are about 3,000 maple trees in the precincts, and every year from early November to early December, they turn into the brilliantly colored autumn leaves.

The leaves of 3000 maples and other trees color the vast precincts of Hiyoshi Taisha beyond its torii gate. The magnificent main building exists in harmony with the great nature surrounding it, and the shrine is well known as a place to enjoy truly resplendent fall colors. During the fall season, festivities include a tea ceremony, traditional plays and evening illumination of the trees.

Upcoming Events

Kodai-ji Temple’s garden has a pond with autumn trees planted around it. During the fall leaf season, the area is lit up, creating a magical atmosphere with the bright colors of trees reflected in the pond. Lit up : Sunset to 22:00 during the period. Admission : 600yen Access : 15-minute walk from Gion-Shijo station…

In spring and autumn when the temple’s roses are in full bloom, Visitors can enjoy about 2,300 varieties of roses and smell their fragrances while strolling through the temple grounds. Date : May 15 to June 30 and October 19 to November 30 every year Open: 7:00 to 17:00 Admission : Free Location : Ofusa…

The Shogunzuka mound, located on a top of Mt. Higashiyama, its 2 observatories offer you a spectacular night view of the entire city of Kyoto below with the red leaves lit up. Lit-up : 17:00 to 21:30 Admission : 500 yen Location : Shogunzuka SeiryudenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share…

Shoren-in Temple’s beautiful gardens make a mysterious atmosphere at night. Visitors can enjoy strolling the path along 4 beautiful gardens, and all the wooden buildings are nicely lit up with autumn leaves. Lit-up : 18:00 to 22:00 Admission : 800 yenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens…

The massive head temple of the Buddhist Jodo sect attracts autumn color viewers by illuminating its temple grounds and its gardens. Lit up : 17:30 to 21:30 (everyday during the period) Access : 10-minute walk from Higashiyama station on the Kyoto subway Tozai-line. Buses : Bus No.10 from JR Kyoto Station to Chion-in-mae Bus Stop.…

The tree colors of autumn are so prominent in Eikan-do Temple. There are some three thousand maples on the grounds, which are lit up at night in fall. The temple grounds are on a mountain slope, and one never tires of the expansive premises that can be enjoyed, going up and down the walkways. Lit…

Between Ichihara and Ninose station of Eizan Railway, A 20 minute ride from Demachiyanagi station takes you to “Maple tunnel”. It is an area with many maple trees. From the train windows, you can see colorful leaves and they are lit up nightly. During the period Around Kibune Shrine is also lit up. Tickets :1-day pass…

Osaka Festival of Lights 2017 – Midosuji Illumination 2017 Osaka’s symbolic street “Midosuji” is illuminated in colorful lights which covers a total length of about 4 km from Yodoyabashi to Namba. This is a part of the Festival of the lights in Osaka and various programs will be held during the festival. Illuminated boat cruises,…

Autumn color illumination is held at Daikaku-ji Temple in Arashiyama. The reflection of Shingyo Hoto pagoda and autumn leaves on the Osawa-no-ike pond’s surface are so beautiful and creates a fantastic atmosphere. Lit up : 17:30 to 20:00 Admission : 500 yen Access : 15-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama station on the JR Sagano LineShare this:Click…

Free Event

Cultural Experience

Search

About us

Our goal is to be a part of Japanese government's promotion aiming to become a "Tourism-Oriented Country". We bring you up to date with the latest travel and tourism information, destinations, event schedules, news and hidden spots in the Kansai area.